GSLV-F18 successfully places navigation satellite NVS-03 in orbit
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 31 (TNT) : ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) successfully placed the 2,250-kg navigation satellite NVS-03 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, marking India’s third space launch of 2026.
The launch vehicle lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on Friday night, carrying the satellite, ISRO said.
GSLV-F18 was the 20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
NVS-03 is the third satellite in the next-generation navigation satellite series, envisaged to ensure continuity of services provided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
The satellite carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks. It also incorporates an L1 navigation signal in addition to the existing L5 and S signals, expanding service coverage over the Indian landmass and a region extending 1,500 km beyond the country’s geographical boundaries.
The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India’s independent regional satellite navigation system designed to provide positioning, navigation and timing services to users across India and the surrounding region.
Meanwhile , Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh congratulated the ISRO team on the successful launch of the GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing capabilities in space technology and indigenous navigation systems.
In a social media post, the Union Minister said the achievement demonstrated the country’s commitment to strengthening its sovereign navigation capabilities.
He said the space sector reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent years had contributed to India’s progress in space exploration and fulfilled the vision of the country’s founding space scientists, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.
Singh described the successful mission as another proud moment for the country.
TNT KM
